Top 5 Prominent Wineries in Istria

As the most important region of Croatian winemaking, with vineyards stretching throughout the entire peninsula, Istria will surely leave a striking experience on all your senses.

The leader among the wines of this region is Malvasia, followed by Merlot, Teran, Muscat White and Yellow, and Cabernet Sauvignon. All of them, with many other varieties, dominate the wine lists of Croatian restaurants. Vinistra, the most important and famous wine fair in Croatia, is held in Istria.

1. Kabola Winery, Momjan, Buje

The story of wine growing in the Markežić family dates back to 1891 when they started with the Momjan Muscat.

Kabola winery and vineyard from above, source: Kabola Facebook page

Winery Kabola is located in the northwest of the Istrian peninsula, on the hill Štancija. Laid down at 275 m above sea level, it has gorgeous views that reach the Alps and the Dolomites on one side, and on the other to the rich greenery of untouched nature and a beautiful sea view.

Perfect sunny position of Kabola's vineyards, source: Kabola Facebook page

The vineyards are located near the winery itself, in Momjan. The soil is mostly clayey and rich in marl, giving the wines their specialties.

You can choose sparkling, fresh, aged, semi-sweet, or sweet wine.

Rich wine selection for everyone's taste, source: Kabola Facebook page

The winery offers 4 tasting programs you can choose from according to your preferences. Tours last up to 60 minutes depending on the type of tasting.

Great way to enjoy a sunny day outside, source: Kabola Facebook page

Villa Green Hacienda with Pool

This 5-star beauty with a heated pool in Umag is perfect for relaxation. The villa accepts up to 10 people and it's pet-friendly.

Stone Villa Green Hacienda Umag

It offers two saunas, an indoor jacuzzi, a gym, a large garden, a home theater, and an outdoor dining area with a barbecue.

Combination of rustical and modern details in Villa Green Hacienda

Villa Green Hacienda offers peace and privacy on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula and is only a 20-minute drive from Kabola Winery. If you are looking for something else, feel free to check all our villas in Istria.

2. Kozlovic Winery, Momjan, Buje

The tradition of the Kozlovic family dates back to the beginning of the last century. The first generation began growing wine in 1904 on only 1 ha.

Viticulture continued for decades. In 1998 Gianfranco Kozlovic made drastic changes in the family tradition of wine production. The same year, Gianfranco Kozlovic formally received national recognition when his Malvasia was declared the top white wine in Croatia.

A bird's eye view over the Kozlovic vineyards, source:Kozlovic

Kozlovic Winery has become one of the cult places of Croatian winemaking and one of the largest wine laboratories in the country. They have many award-winning wines such as Malvasia Istrian, Santa Lucia (barrique), Teran, amd Muscat Momjan.

Selection of Kozlovic wines (Malvasia Istrian, Santa Lucia (barrique), Teran, Muscat Momjan), source:Kozlovic

Do not miss their 2 hours of guided wine tasting, where you will get to know 5 wines from their vineyards Valle and Santa Lucia, with 5 exclusively created small dishes that reflect the tradition of the Istrian peninsula. You can taste some of the wines only at the winery so it’s definitely worth the experience!

Wine tasting at Kozlovic winery, with magnificent views, source:Kozlovic

Malvasia Santa Lucia from the 2018 Kozlović winery won the flattering title of the best Malvasia in the world! It was the best-rated Malvasia according to the choice of 70 judges from 15 countries at the Vinistra wine competition in 2022

Kozlovic winery entrance, source:Kozlovic

Villa Camelia with Pool

At a distance of less than 2 km from Kabola winery, in Momjan, you can book this gorgeous rustic and romantic 5-star villa with a pool. It features 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a gym, a sauna, an outdoor dining area, and of course, a grill. The property is placed in a quiet village with beautiful views over the surrounding greenery.

Rustic Istrian Villa Camelia with Pool, in Momjan

The exterior is decorated in a traditional style, with a stone facade and wooden shutters, while the interior is decorated modern and contemporary and provides everything you need for an ideal holiday.

Enjoy your meals in the modern interior ofVilla Camelia

Villa Silver Sky with Pool

When planning your vacation in Istria, take a look at this new 5-star villa in Kaštel near Umag. It can accommodate up to 10 people, ideal for families and groups of friends.

The spacious garden and outdoor dining area are suitable for hot days in the shade or sunbathing by the pool. The spacious en suite bedrooms are located on the first floor, where there is also an open terrace with magnificent views of the surrounding greenery.

Refresh yourself in the pool inVilla Silver Sky Umag

When you want to relax and have fun in the villa, there's table tennis, billiards, and darts.

The cozy and shaded lounge area ofVilla Silver Sky with Pool

The villa is fenced and provides privacy. Enjoy a good book or a glass of wine in a cozy lounge area on the terrace.

3. Matosevic Winery, Kruncici

Just a few minutes' drive from the Lim Channel you can find one of the most famous Istrian and Croatian wineries, the Matosevic winery in Kruncici.

The perfect combination of Matosevic Grimalda and a shrimp risotto, source: Matošević Facebook page

Thanks to the sun, the sea, and the extremely fertile land, this area grows top-quality grapes from which the best wines are produced. This winery produces white wines Malvasia and Chardonnay, and red wines such as Merlot Mora and Cuvée Grimalda.

Wine tasting offers perfectly paired wines and homemade products, source: Matošević Facebook page

Take a break in the shade of the green terrace and be sure to try all the types of Istrian Malvasia they have in offer for you.

Villa New Vintage with Pool

Book this unique property with an outdoor area of 1800m2 near Pazin and find out what paradise is! The villa can comfortably accommodate 8 people in 4 spacious bedrooms and 4 en-suite bathrooms.

The peaceful location ofVilla New Vintage with Pool

Only 11-15 minutes away from the Matošević winery and close to Lim Bay, this magnificent villa has a lot to offer: a sauna, spa room, PlayStation, Golf, fitness room, badminton, children's playground.

Enjoy the views from the cozy and modern living area ofVilla New Vintage with Pool

Spend your afternoons by the pool or prepare a delicious barbecue under the starry sky. The villa is close to restaurants, coffee bars, shops, and the beach.

Villa Silver Lining with Pool

Book this modern villa near Pazin in the heart of Istria and treat your family or friend group to a dream vacation. Enjoy your morning coffee on the terrace or start the day with a pleasant refreshment in the pool.

Villa Silver Lining near Pazin

To relax, you have a spa room with an indoor jacuzzi, and if you want a little more active time, bicycles are available to check out and explore nature around.

Catch some sun rays on the terrace and refresh in the spacious pool at theVilla Silver Lining

Pazin, Novigrad, Rovinj, Porec, and Pula are within a short drive distance.

4. Clai Winery, Krasica

Clai Winery is located in inner Istria, close to the Buje and Grožnjan towns. The vineyards are spread over 10ha, 200m above sea level, enjoying many sunny hours.

Dreamy views over Clai vineyards and winery, source:Clai winery Facebook page

The soil is rich in marl, which creates good drainage, and our vines extend to the roots deep underground, which ensures the recognizable quality of Clai wine.

Clai wines have a distinct author's line and are widely recognized because, during the process, no controlled fermentation or stainless steel tanks are used. The wine is aged on lees, in large wooden barrels of various sizes, and after two years it is bottled without micro or sterile filtration.

Choose from the rich collection of Clai wines, source:Clai winery Facebook page

If your path leads you to Grožnjan, do not miss the opportunity to visit this winery surrounded by charming Istrian hills and enjoy its top-quality Brombonero Refošk.

Wine tasting is available within the winery for group visits of up to 10 people.

Fish and wine are always a good idea, source:Clai winery Facebook page

The offer includes tasting menus and both white and red wines: Malvasia (Ottocento white, Sv. Jakov malvazija, Baracija malvazija), Ottocento red, Brombonero, Baracija refosk.

Villa Paradiso with Pool

The traditional pet-friendly holiday home was built in the 19th century and renovated in 2012. It consists of 3 buildings and the interior is a perfect combination of rustic and modern. This 7-bedroom beauty with 7 bathrooms and 4 toilets accommodates up to 14 guests.

Fantastic view over the 19th century Villa Paradiso with Pool estate

A big advantage of the summer house is a large garden with an outdoor pool of 80 m, where you can enjoy the sun and the sounds of nature. For entertainment, you have table tennis, table football, and PlayStation.

Relax and enjoy the peace by the pool at Villa Paradiso

The 5 parking spaces, Wi-Fi, a home cinema, and satellite channels are the perfect addition, to complete the experience in this magnificent villa.

5. Gerzinic Winery, Vizinada

Gerzinic Winery is nestled in Vizinada, near Porec and Novigrad. It's the perfect place to enjoy the Istrian hinterland and the Adriatic Sea.

The Gerzinic family currently cultivates their own 10 hectares of vineyards, most of which are Istrian Malvasia, and five other varieties: Chardonnay, Muscat Yellow, Teran, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

Modern and simple bottles hide rich flavors, source:Vina Geržinić Facebook page

Syrah is a grape variety that is characteristic of France and Australia, and it arrived in Croatia from France in 1971.

Gerzinic is one of those responsible for placing this variety in Croatia. He planted the first syrah plantations in 2005, and it turned out that the stingy Istrian red mulberry is very suitable for this variety. Already in 2007, Gerzinic won the gold medal on Vinsitra for his syrah.

Syrah is one of Gerzinić's most trophy wines, Source:Vina Geržinić Facebook page

Along with the vineyards, the Grižinić family carefully nurtures their olives and preserves the family's long tradition.

Luxury Villa Titanium with Pool

A beautiful luxury villa with 5 bedrooms can accommodate 10 people.

The villa has a vast of space both indoor and outdoor. It's located on 1000 m2 private property, modern and luxuriously decorated. Guests have at their disposal a parking lot, a wooden barbecue, and a perfect summer kitchen. The villa is wheelchair accessible.

Evening atmosphere atLuxury Villa Titanium Porec

On the spacious terrace on the first floor, there is a dining table and barbecue, and you can enjoy the enchanting view of the surroundings and greenery.

Enjoy panoramic views and dinner under the starry sky atVilla Titanium

The villa is in Kastelir near Porec. It's a great starting point for various activities - wine tours, the sea, and small towns rich in history.

Check our earlier blog post about a Culinary Trip to Istria in Spring to read more about gastronomic experiences in Istria. Enjoy your vacation to the fullest!